Reuben Tower, Hingham, Massachusetts. A cross-banded mahogany tall case clock. The case is attributed to Weymouth cabinetmaker Abiel White. XXSL-76.
This beautiful antique tall clock is one of only two known examples made by the Quaker clockmaker Reuben Tower.
This clock stands out for its excellent proportions. The case is veneered in figured mahogany with beautiful grain patterns. The original finish has darkened over time, but the wood grain remains visible, and the surface is even. The case rests on four cutout bracket feet that are well-shaped, delicate, and tall. The apron between the two front feet is nicely shaped. The base has a striking mahogany-veneered front panel, framed by a cross-banded border. The waist is long and narrow, with a rectangular door in the center, trimmed with delicate molding. A cross-banded frame surrounds the vibrant crotch mahogany, set vertically. Inset-reeded quarter columns with brass capitals are in the front corners of the waist. Three finial plinths, or chimneys, sit on top of the hood, each holding a brass ball and spike finial. The plinths also support an attractive pierced open-fretwork pattern, a design often seen in New England. Fully turned and reeded bonnet columns with brass capitals flank the bonnet door, which has glass and opens to access the painted iron dial.
The dial was made in Boston and painted by the Curtis & Nolen firm around 1820. It is decorated in bright colors with traditional themes from that era. Each of the four spandrel areas features urns, and the lunette depicts a charming lakeside scene with a small cottage set in a mountain landscape. The dial is signed below the calendar opening. It reads, "Rueben Tower / HINGHAM." The time track uses Roman numerals for the hours, separated by a dotted minute ring from the Arabic quarter-hour markers. There is a subsidiary seconds dial below the XII. This painted iron dial is attached directly to the movement, without a false plate.
The movement is made of quality brass. Four turned pillars hold the two brass plates together. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gears. The winding drums are grooved, and the escapement uses a recoil design. The movement is weight-driven and runs for eight days when fully wound. It has two trains for timekeeping and striking, using a rack-and-snail system to strike the hour on a cast-iron bell above the movement. The pendulum has a brass-faced bob.
The case is about 7 feet 10 inches tall to the top of the center brass finial. It measures 19.25 inches wide and 9 inches deep at the bonnet.
This clock was made circa 1820.
Inventory number XXSL-76.
Reuben Tower was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, on July 3, 1795, to Isaiah Tower (1766-1809) and Hannah Jacob (1771-1844). He is believed to have apprenticed with his neighbor, the Hingham clockmaker Joshua Wilder. Tower worked in Hingham from approximately 1815 to 1821 and married Rebecca Hathaway on December 2, 1819. Throughout his life, Tower relocated several times. In 1822, Plymouth County Deeds listed him as a clockmaker residing in Kingston. By 1826, he was recorded as a clockmaker in Hanover, and in 1830 as a silversmith in the same town. He returned to Hingham in 1831, where he remained until his death on October 27, 1881. Only a limited number of clocks crafted by Tower have been identified. While many are in the dwarf form, his work also includes tall clocks, wall timepieces, shelf clocks, and mirror clocks. The Hingham Public Library in Hingham, Massachusetts, currently displays one of his tall clocks.
